Recent National school shootings prompts the Law and Order Committee to re-evaluate active shooter readiness

WINDOW ROCK – On Monday, the Law and Order Committee received a report from the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and Navajo Nation Police Department regarding various public safety issues including active shooter readiness on the Navajo Nation.

LOC chair Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie (Churchrock, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Pinedale, Smith Lake, Thoreau) said that the Nation needs to be prepared for unpredictable incidents such as active shooter incidents.

“Active shooter incidents has increased drastically throughout the country. The Nation needs to enhance preparedness and prevention to ensure the safety of schools, communities, and the workplace,” said Delegate Yazzie, who also asked if NNDPS has proper guidelines and procedures to address the issue.

According to NNDPS delegated director Ronald Silversmith the police department has proper procedures to respond to active shooters and continues to establish resources for school, community and workplace awareness. NNDPS has direct communications with schools, added Silversmith.

During the discussion, LOC member Council Delegate Kee Allen Begay, Jr. (Low Mountain, Many Farms, Nazlini, Tachee/Blue Gap, Tselani/Cottonwood) raised concerns regarding the number of police officers and police response time for rural communities and schools.

“Does NNDPS have the resources to respond to active shooter incidents for rural communities and schools in a timely manner and has the department established proper procedures for all the different school types within the Nation?” asked Delegate Begay.

NNPD delegated chief of police Michael Henderson stated that the police departments have direct contact with schools and that the schools also have the authority to initiate a shutdown and request for assistance during harmful threats.

Under the directions of Speaker LoRenzo Bates (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, San Juan, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse’Daa’Kaan, Upper Fruitland), Diné College will provide an active shooter awareness presentation for its employees this month.